‘Work place sensitisation on disability crucial’

CBM India Trust, an Indian non-profit organisation, is dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.As an empaneled access auditor under the Government of India’s ‘Accessible India Campaign’, it conducts accessibility audits of workplace facilities, evaluating physical spaces against establishedstandards and providing actionable recommendations for improvements. It is operating across 25 states and union territories to promote inclusive development in health, education, and livelihood to break the cycle of poverty and disability. Sony Thomas, Executive Director of CBM India, tells ‘The Perfect Voice’ that companies should conduct employee sensitisation sessions that promote understanding of disability inclusion. Excerpts…

How does your organisation ensure accessibility and inclusivity in education for people with disabilities?

At CBM India, we champion the right of every child to quality education and partner with governments, schools, and communities to create supportive environments where all children can learn together.Our ‘Whole School Model’ prepares mainstream schools through improved infrastructure, capacity-building sessions for educators, and adaptable curricula. This approach ensures learningenvironments accommodate all students through physical modifications, appropriate technology, and inclusive teaching methods. In addition, we’ve established Inclusive Community LearningCenters and Disability-Inclusive Resource Centers that prepare children with disabilities for mainstream schools. Through them, we provide essential support, including personalized educational interventions, therapeutic services, and training and counseling for families.

How does your NGO collaborate with businesses and organisations to create inclusive workplaces?

We partner with businesses and organisations through a comprehensive approach to workplace inclusion that addresses physical accessibility, organisational culture, and employee engagement.

As an empaneled access auditor under the Government of India’s ‘Accessible India Campaign’, weconduct accessibility audits of workplace facilities, evaluating physical spaces against establishedstandards and providing actionable recommendations for improvements.We offer employee sensitisation sessions that promote understanding of disability inclusion.

Through our volunteer engagement initiatives, corporate employees can contribute their time to support our projects, fostering deeper understanding while strengthening their companys social impact.

What challenges do you face in advocating for disability inclusivity?

Advocating for disability inclusion involves navigating complex challenges. India has established a progressive legal framework through landmark legislation such as the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

However, to fully realize the potential of these laws, we require joint initiatives across multiple stakeholders and sectors. Resource limitations affect the ability to scale successful programs to reach more communities, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to services and entitlements poses greaterchallenges. Creating a truly inclusive society requires participation from everyone. Each of us has a meaningfulrole to play in building communities where persons with disabilities are fully included and valuedfor their contributions.

What kind of support do you need from volunteers, donors, or policymakers to further your mission?

Advancing disability inclusion requires collaborative efforts from diverse stakeholders, each instrumental in creating a more inclusive society.Professionals can contribute to areas such as communications, technology, and educationthrough skill-based volunteering.

General volunteers can support our events and communityprograms. Most importantly, volunteers become powerful advocates who can raise awarenessabout disability inclusion within their networks.From donors, sustainable financial support enables us to plan effectively and expand our reach.